Daily consumption of quinoa may help to prevent type 2 diabetes, according to studies.
Spanish experts evaluated the effects of the superfoods by recruiting nine pre-diabetic individuals over the age of 65.
Pre-diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are above normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Volunteers received three meals per day that substituted quinoa grains for potatoes, rice, and lentils.
Over the same period, they were given spaghetti, cakes, bread, and crackers made with quinoa flour.
Monitoring their blood sugar levels revealed they experienced fewer increases after eating while on a particular diet.
According to the researchers, this could be “crucial” for preventing type 2 diabetes.
Compared to bread, rice, and potatoes, the micronutrient content of quinoa is suggested to assist in slow digestion, resulting in a slower glucose increase.
Diabetes type 2 affects around 2 million Britons and 37 million Americans.
70% of pre-diabetics progress to full-blown diabetes, which can be fatal if left untreated.
To avoid the emergence of type 2 diabetes, doctors currently encourage afflicted individuals to modify their diet and increase their physical activity to reduce weight.
The study, published in Nutrients, followed nine prediabetics for eight weeks to determine the effect of adding quinoa to their meals, which is rich in folate, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
For the first four weeks, participants were instructed to keep their normal diet while their weight, BMI, and waste were measured.
They kept a food diary and were fitted with the Freestyle Libre glucose monitoring equipment, which monitors blood glucose levels throughout the day.
On the 28th day, blood samples were taken to determine how the participant’s blood sugar levels increased after an eight-hour fast.
For the subsequent four weeks, the study was repeated with the subjects consuming a diet rich in quinoa.
The study did not disclose how much quinoa each participant consumed over four weeks.
Dr. Diaz Rizzolo of the Open University of Catalonia in Barcelona stated, “We analyzed the blood sugar trends and discovered that when the subjects ate quinoa, their blood sugar increase was smaller than when they ate their typical diet.”
These post-meal blood sugar surges are a decisive factor in the course of type 2 diabetes, thus this is important.
It is believed that the polyphenols in quinoa are responsible for their ability to lower blood sugar increases.
This vitamin, which is also found in the majority of vegetables, fruits, and drinks, aids in the digestion of carbs.
In addition, it inhibits glucose absorption in the intestine and promotes insulin production in the pancreas, reversing the effects of type 2 diabetes.
When individuals consume carbohydrates, the food is converted into blood sugar. This instructs the pancreas to release insulin, allowing glucose to enter the cells of the body.
However, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance over time.
Because insulin is less effective at breaking down glucose, it causes the body to create an increasing amount of insulin.
Eventually, this causes the pancreas to get exhausted, throwing the system out of balance and maintaining high blood sugar levels.
WHAT IS DIABETES OF TYPE 2?
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that causes excessively high blood sugar levels.
It is estimated that more than 4 million people in the United Kingdom have diabetes.
Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, and a family history of the disease may increase your risk of developing it.
The syndrome indicates that the body does not respond appropriately to insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar absorption into the blood, and is unable to regulate blood sugar levels.
The accumulation of fat in the liver increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes because it makes it more difficult to maintain glucose levels and increases the body’s insulin resistance.
The key to lowering liver fat and bringing symptoms under control is weight loss.
The symptoms include fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination.
It can lead to more severe issues with the nerves, eyesight, and heart.
Treatment often comprises dietary and lifestyle modifications, but medication may be required in more severe cases.
